The province is also making sure that Ontarians are getting the best possible value for their tax dollars by taking new steps to audit more pharmacies, wholesalers and generic drug manufacturers. This will help to ensure they are complying with the reforms, including eliminating professional allowances. Enforcement action will be taken in instances where the rules are not being followed.

These drug reforms are part of the government's Open Ontario Plan to provide more access to health care services while improving quality and accountability for patients.

Quick Facts

People who pay for drugs out-of-pocket or who belong to private drug plans also benefit from these reforms. Reducing generic drug prices has provided private drug plans with $91 million savings, and out-of-pocket customers with $13 million.

Today, there are 63 more pharmacies in Ontario than one year ago.

Since MedsCheck was launched in 2007, Ontarians have benefited from around 900,000 free one-on-one consultations with their pharmacist. An additional 120,000 consultations have taken place since expanded services launched in September 2010.

Quotes

“The results speak for themselves. Making these reforms to our drug system was clearly the right thing to do. One year later, Ontarians have access to more drugs and better pharmacy services. Health dollars are being redirected to initiatives that will improve patient care. I want to thank our partners in the pharmacy sector for helping us move forward with these transformative changes.”

“CARP members strongly supported the generic drug pricing reforms one year ago because savings in health care dollars would be used to expand services and cover more medications for Ontarians. They will be very encouraged by the results. CARP members will be looking for the same political leadership nation wide to face down opposition to much needed reforms including bulk purchasing of drugs and ensuring equitable and affordable access to needed drugs and treatments.”

Susan Eng

Vice President of Advocacy, CARP

“The Canadian life and health insurance industry congratulates the Ontario government on its leadership in taking decisive action one year ago to reduce the cost of generic drugs for all Ontarians. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, 2010 saw the smallest increase in drug costs to private payers in Ontario in over a decade. This represents a significant saving for plan sponsors and helps to ensure the continued availability of quality supplementary health plans for Ontario workers and their families.”